This may sound more Maroon 5 than Nashville, but who cares when this country hunk-ie delivers this addictive slice of crossover heaven that's got more soul than a ton of beer and truck tracks currently at the format.

Killer lyric: I got that love medicinal, I'll make you feel invincible, I'm more than recreational...

With the rise of funky country bros like Lane, relative veterans like the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Bryan, who turned 40 this year, had to take notice, as this bit of pop played on country stations had a groove definitely not for two-stepping, but butt-shaking. In return, his fifth #1 airplay hit from his Kill The Lights album.

Killer lyric: It's like there's something in the air, That turns you wild when a country song Is way up loud and the sun goes down...

This amazing blues-rock band had a classic out-of-the-box jam with the first single from their self-titled album, "S.O.B.". which went to #2 on my chart right at the end of last year, suffering the fate of just missing the year-end chart at #102 (this year it came in at #146); if its "points" were all in one year, it would've been in my top-40. However they had no problems with the third hit from the set, "I Need Never Get Old", which reverse-Benjamin Buttoned them back into the top 10. Their album was one of the highlights of the last two years. It's only fitting they're on the Stax label with its soul history, and they should've been nominated for a Grammy for sure.

Killer lyric: While I try my best to cover our eyes, It's a common way to blame and hide the truth...

After a series of middling trad-country offerings, Moore goes all Rolling Stones guitar crunch in his fifth #1 country hit, which had one of the most enjoyable music videos of the genre, where he comes off adorable in the Patton Oswalt out west kind of way. It was on the country chart at the beginning of the year, but took over 40 weeks to reach the top.

Killer lyric: You're comin' over tonight 'cause it couldn't wait, Now you're in the drive, I'm a wreck inside As you walk in through that door...

I could really relate to this mid-tempo rumination from the country rocker that brings all his emotions out in vinyl. Bringing him back to #1 on the country radio chart, this song exemplifies Eric best, when he's understated.

Killer lyric: Slowly plannin' my survival In a three foot stack of vinyl, Since you had to walk on outta here I've been havin' a record year...

A thoughtful bit of wisdom that's nominated for a Grammy this year, which its songwriter, Lori McKenna, won for "Girl Crush" last year. She's also nominated for three more awards in the Americana/folk categories. A good diversion for the now elder-statesman of popular country, whose been seemingly pushed lately into weird musical choices.

Killer lyric: When you get where you're goin', Don't forget turn back around, Help the next one in line, Always stay humble and kind...

Alternative dance act Major Lazer, who got their breakthrough last year on mainstream radio with "Lean On", which ended up at #10 on my 2015 year-end list, are back now with the only song on my year-end list that has Canadian scourge Justin Bieber. The fact that they can use him to guide this swaying bit of trop-house goodness shows you how good they are. Also Ed Sheeran songwriting, and Danish gem MØ (who sung lead on "Lean On") providing assistance.

Killer lyric: 'Cause we all get lost sometimes, you know? It's how we learn and how we grow And I wanna lay with you 'til I'm old, You shouldn't be fighting on your own...

The unlikely coupling of the junior-Buffett country singer and the brash pop powerhouse proved to be the trick to not only return Chesney to #1 on the country chart but land him a pop radio hit as well.

Killer lyric: Wrote I love you in lipstick on the mirror, We were shoutin' out the window, like they could hear us at the pier, Said "Do you think we’ll live forever?" As we killed another beer...

Well there goes another batch of ten on my countdown...I'll be back tomorrow with a state-ly rapper's abode, pop-punk vets shoot 'em up, and a British newcomer takes only one to tango.

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About Me

A 46 (yes, now 46) year old cub tryin' to make it in this crazy world.
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